-- If I am not totally devoid of taste,
however, this young gentleman of Bath is the best landscape-painter
now living: I was struck with his performances in such a
manner, as I had never been by painting before. His trees not
only have a richness of foliage and warmth of colouring, which
delights the view; but also a certain magnificence in the
disposition and spirit in the expression, which I cannot
describe. His management of the chiaro oscuro, or light and
shadow, especially gleams of sunshine, is altogether wonderful,
both in the contrivance and execution; and he is so happy in his
perspective, and marking his distances at sea, by a progressive
series of ships, vessels, capes, and promontories, that I could
not help thinking, I had a distant view of thirty leagues upon
the back-ground of the picture. If there is any taste for
ingenuity left in a degenerate age, fast sinking into barbarism,
this artist, I apprehend, will make a capital figure, as soon as
his works are known.
Two days ago, I was favoured with a visit by Mr Fitzowen; who,
with great formality, solicited my vote and interest at the
general election. I ought not to have been shocked at the
confidence of this man; though it was remarkable, considering
what had passed between him and me on a former occasion -- These
visits are mere matter of form, which a candidate makes to every
elector; even to those who, he knows, are engaged in the interest
of his competitor, lest he should expose himself to the
imputation of pride, at a time when it is expected he should
appear humble.
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